NORTHERN CARIBBEAN UNIVERSITY
College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Allied Health & Nursing
Department of Computer and Information Sciences
FALL 2024
COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS, COMPUTER SCIENCE,
BACHELOR'S DEGREE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MAJOR: Computer Information Systems, Computer Science,
Information Technology
COURSE NAME: Fundamentals of Databases
COURSE CODE: CPTR213
NUMBER OF CREDITS: 3
NUMBER OF HOURS: 45hrs
CLASS ROOM: CIS Lecture Room
CLASS TIMES: Tuesday & Thursday @ 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM
NAME OF LECTURER: John Williams
OFFICE HOURS: Mon. & Wed.: 11:30am – 01:30pm
Tue. & Thurs.: 08:00am – 11:00am
Use link below to schedule office meeting:
https://calendly.com/john-williams-cis/office-hours
MODALITY DELIVERY: Face-to-Face
FINAL EXAM PERIOD: As outlined on the Academic Administration calendar
PREREQUISITES: CPTR120: Computer Applications
CPTR151: Principles of Programming I
SOCIAL MEDIA:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an introductory course dealing with database structures and design. It is designed to
familiarize students with database theories that will facilitate the understanding of how
databases work. Students will learn the differences between database analysis and design and
how the two concepts work together. Eventually, students will learn how to design an efficient
database, then take that design and implement it.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, the successful student should be able to:
• Define fundamental database terminologies.
• Understand and explain how databases work.
• Apply the principles of normalization to produce good database design.
• Analyse data and data requirements to create appropriate data models and databases.
• Evaluate data models and databases to determine their effectiveness and provide
suggestions for redesign where necessary.
• Understand the language of relational databases, i.e., Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Write SQL statements to create, query, update and delete databases, tables and data
within the database.
• Create and query a database application using MySQL and/or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Use database design tools to create databases.
• Differentiate between SQL and NoSQL databases and know when to use each.
NCU Values and Attitudes: Focus
1. Christlikeness
2. Integrity
3. Justice
Christlikeness:
I, John Williams and all the students of CPTR213: Fundamentals of Databases class, commit to
exercising the highest levels of Christlikeness in all actions during this semester in relation to the
following:
1. Handling student issues in a fair and equitable manner.
2. Displaying honesty with submitted work.
3. Displaying kindness to each other.
4. Displaying humility, compassion and unselfishness to each other.
5. Showing confidence in all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13).
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Integrity:
The facilitator and students will undertake learning experiences that exercise the highest levels
of integrity such as:
• Honouring deadlines in submission of assignments.
• Practicing academic honesty with respect to the use of published works and other
intellectual property.
• Participating equally in group work and activities.
• Good stewardship of tools, equipment and other resources in the teaching learning
environment.
• Give fair evaluation to student work.
• Display proper deportment and conduct.
Justice:
The facilitator and all students will exercise the highest level of justice and fairness in all actions
related to this course in the areas of:
• Fair grading for tasks submitted for evaluation.
• Timely feedback and redress of inquiries, challenges, issues, and grouses.
• Impartial treatment of all students regardless of race, age, religious affiliation, nationality or
ethnicity.
Access to Computer and Internet Resources: This course for FALL 2024 will be facilitated via a
face-to-face modality. However, completing the requirements for this course necessitates
regular access to computer technology and the Internet.
Civility, Courtesy and Respect: As professionals, mutual respect is required; the instructor
expects all class members to communicate in a professional and courteous manner. While
everyone may feel passionate about a particular subject and is entitled to his/her opinions,
classroom discourse must always be conducted in a respectful and civil tone. No disrespectful or
disparaging comments about gender, ethnicity, religion, et cetera will be tolerated.
Honour Code: Regulations on plagiarism and other forms of cheating are strictly enforced. Since
engaging in either activity may result in very serious penalties, including failing grades, or
dismissal from the University, you should endeavour to avoid such activities. Any assignment or
work submitted for this course must not have been submitted for any other course. No written
or digitally authored work may be submitted for academic credit more than once. If you have
questions about how this may apply to an assignment you are considering for this course, please
ask the facilitator for clarification.
Students with a Disabling Condition: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may
require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements, should communicate
with the instructor in a timely manner, to seek such special considerations. Students should
present appropriate verification from the relevant administrative office at the University. There
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is no guideline indicating that special considerations be given prior to completion of the existing
university verification process.
Policies
1. Grading:
Scores for this course will be determined by assignments, quizzes, project, and tests-points
weighted as follows:
Assignments ............................... 30 %
Quizzes ....................................... 10 %
Sectionals ................................... 30 %
Group Project ............................. 10 %
Final Project ............................... 20 %
The grade, based on weighted score:
A = 90 – 100% B+ = 80 – 84% B- = 70 – 74% C = 60 – 64% D = 50 – 54%
A- = 85 – 89% B = 75 – 79% C+ = 65 – 69% C- = 55 – 59% F = 0 – 49%
A minimum grade of C+ is required to pass this course.
2. Course Procedure:
1. Reading assignments will be given from time to time. Although no points are awarded for
these, they will definitely enhance the student chances of doing well on quizzes and
exams as well having a better understanding of class lectures.
2. When doing homework please keep in mind the following policies:
a. Working together. This is encouraged where the assignment is for a group.
However, in the final analysis each assignment must bear the mark of individuality.
Copying will not be tolerated. Help can be sought from the instructor, tutors or
books.
b. Late Work. Assignments will NOT be collected after the due date.
c. Neatness. All assignments must be done neatly. Use clean, 8 ½ x 11 typing paper
for all assignments where necessary. Sloppy assignments will be returned without
being graded. Resubmitted work will be liable for late penalties.
3. If it is necessary to miss an exam, make arrangements with the instructor prior to the
exam if at all possible. It is, however, strongly recommended that the student should sit
the exam on the date given. One may not makeup quizzes.
4. Class attendance is important. The Class Absence Policy of the NCU will be adhered to.
Students should not be late for classes.
3. Integration of Faith and Learning:
“An appetite for knowledge and beauty exists in the human mind and God makes no appetite
in vain. We can therefore pursue knowledge as such, in the sure confidence that by doing so
we are either advancing to the vision of God ourselves or indirectly helping others do so.”
C.S. Lewis, Learning in Wartime, The Weight of Glory
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Throughout this course, prominence will be placed on the integration of faith and learning.
As we pursue knowledge, and specifically technological knowledge, are we advancing to the
image of God? We need not be fearful or apprehensive about using technology if we believe
that in doing so, we are indeed advancing to His image.
However, we must ensure two things:
• That our reasons for pursuing this knowledge is in line with God’s will, and
• That everything we do with the technology is a reflection of God’s vision.
Work that is a reflection of God should be wholesome in content, exhibit neatness and order,
and display our creative God-given talents.
QUIZZES
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Only students with medical excused absences will be
allowed to make up a quiz and then only within one class period of the date when the student returns to
classes. Quizzes cover the assigned reading material.
TESTS
There will be periodic tests over sections of material covered in class lectures, reading, and assignments.
Only students with excused absences will be allowed to make up a test and then only within one class
period of the date when the student returns to classes.
GUIDELINES ON USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS/TOOLS
You are welcome to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications (such as ChatGPT,
Gemini, Copilot, etc.) to support the learning objectives of this course. Please be aware you are
responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query.
Any use of these tools other than where indicated is a violation of this course’s expectations and
will be addressed through NCU’s Academic Integrity Policy.
If you use Generative AI tools to aid in any of the CPTR213: Fundamentals of Databases
assignments, it is expected that the tool be properly referenced using APA style, and a description
outlining why it was used and for what purpose, and how it enhanced your assignment. This
description needs to be explicit and accompany all assignments that utilize these tools. Failure to
include a proper reference and description will be considered to be a breach of academic integrity
and an academic misconduct.
Important note: While using generative AI tools to assist with understanding or generating
ideas can be helpful, it's crucial to ensure that the final work is your own original creation.
Overreliance on AI tools can lead to plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
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ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
1. The University’s regulations on plagiarism and other forms of cheating MUST be followed and
maintain at all times. See Honour code above.
2. All assessments must be done and submitted by the stated cut-off date and time, otherwise
your work will be penalised.
3. The Code of Honour Statement given below is expected be submitted with all assessments,
including final exam, projects, and any other forms of assessments.
Code of Honour Statement
I/We, pledge on my/our honour that this is my/our honest work, and I/we did not cheat, and
I/we did not receive any unauthorised assistance; neither did I/we assist anyone to cheat nor
share with anyone, nor give unauthorised assistance to any person in completing this
examination/assignment/assessment submitted to Northern Caribbean University.
I/we acknowledge that the regulations on any form of cheating are strictly enforced and that
engaging in any activity deemed as cheating or an attempt to cheat may result in very serious
penalties, including failing grades, or dismissal from the University. I/we will endeavour to
avoid such activities and guide my/our actions accordingly.
Choosing to continue with this assessment is an indication that I/we have read, understood,
and consented to undertake and submit this assessment.
______________________________________________________ (Insert ID#)
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Textbook
Database systems: A Practical Approach to Design,
Implementation, and Management, 6th Edition
Global Edition
Thomas Connolly, Carolyn Begg
Published by Pearson Education Limited, ©2014.
ISBN 10: 1292061189
ISBN 13: 9781292061184
READING REFERENCES/RESOURCES:
Database Processing: Fundamentals, Design, and Implementation (15th Edition)
David M. Kroenke, David J. Auer, Robert C. Yoder, Scott L. Vandenberg
Publisher: Pearson ©2018
ISBN 13: 978-0134802749
ISBN 10: 0134802748
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management (13th Edition)
Carlos Coronel and Steven Morris
Publisher: Cengage Learning ©2018
ISBN 13: 9781337627900
ISBN 10: 1337627909
Online References:
• SQL Tutorial - W3Schools, https://www.w3schools.com/sql/
• Database Management System Tutorial - Tutorialspoint,
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/dbms/index.htm
Development Tools:
• MySQL Community Server, https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/
• MySQL Workbench, https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/
• Microsoft SQL Server, https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/sql-server/sql-server-
downloads
• Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-
us/sql/ssms/download-sql-server-management-studio-ssms?view=sql-server-ver15
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COURSE CONTENT
PART I: DATABASE SYSTEMS
Unit 1. The Database Approach
Learning Outcomes
• Define common database terminologies.
• Identify various types of databases.
• Discuss the value of databases in decision making.
• Justify the importance of database design.
• Discuss how modern databases evolved from file systems.
• Identify flaws in file system data management.
• Identify the main components of the database system.
• Describe the main functions of a database management system (DBMS)
• Differentiate between SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Emerging trends in the database approach.
Unit 2. Database Development Process
Learning Outcomes
• Understand that successful database design must reflect the information system of which the
database is a part.
• Understand that successful information systems are developed within a framework known as
the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Understand that within the information system, the most successful databases are subject to
frequent evaluation and revision within a framework known as the Database Life Cycle (DBLC).
• Understand how to conduct evaluation and revision within the SDLC and DBLC frameworks.
• Identify database design strategies: top-down vs. bottom-up design and centralized vs.
decentralized design.
PART II: DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
Unit 3. Data Models
Learning Outcomes
• Understand data modelling and why data models are important.
• Understand the basic data-modelling building blocks.
• Understand what business rules are and how they influence database design.
• Discuss how the major data models evolved.
• Discuss emerging alternative data models and the need they fulfil.
• Understand that data models can be classified by their level of abstraction.
Unit 4. Relational Model Characteristics
Learning Outcomes
• Understand that the relational database model offers a logical view of data.
• Identify the relational model’s basic component: relations.
• Understand that relations are logical constructs composed of rows (tuples) and columns
(attributes).
• Understand that relations are implemented as tables in a relational DBMS.
• Describe relational database operators, the data dictionary, and the system catalogue.
• Understand how data redundancy is handled in the relational database model.
• Understand why indexing is important.
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PART III: DATABASE DESIGN
Unit 5. Data Modelling with Entity Relationship Diagrams
Learning Outcomes
• Identify the main characteristics of entity relationship components.
• Describe how relationships between entities are defined, refined, and incorporated into the
database design process.
• Discuss how ERD components affect database design and implementation.
• Discuss how real-world database design often requires the reconciliation of conflicting goals.
Unit 6. Normalizing Database Designs
Learning Outcomes
• Define normalization is and the role it plays in the database design process.
• Identify normal forms: 1NF, 2NF, 3NF.
• Describe how normal forms can be transformed from lower normal forms to higher normal
forms.
• Understand that normalization and ER modelling are used concurrently to produce a good
database design.
• Understand that some situations require denormalization to generate information efficiently.
PART IV: DATABASE PROGRAMMING
Unit 7. Introduction to Structured Query Language
Learning Outcomes
• Identify basic commands and functions of SQL.
• Understand how to use SQL for data administration (to create tables and indexes etc.).
• Understand how to use SQL for data manipulation (to add, modify, delete, and retrieve data).
• Understand how to use SQL to query a database for useful information.
• Understand how to use advanced SQL JOIN operator syntax (right join, left join etc.).
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COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK DATE Tuesday Thursday
Course Overview
1 Aug. 26 – Aug. 30 The Database Approach
Introduction: The Database Approach
2 Sept. 2 – Sept. 6 The Database Approach Database Development Process
Database Development Process
3 Sept. 9 – Sept. 13 Data Models
QUIZ #1
4 Sept. 16 – Sept. 20 PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS
5 Sept. 23 – Sept. 27 Relational Model Characteristics Relational Model Characteristics
Data Modelling with Entity Relationship
6 Sept. 30 – Oct. 4 SECTIONAL EXAM #1
Diagrams
Data Modelling with Entity Relationship In class activity: Creating models with ERD
7 Oct. 7 – Oct. 11
Diagrams QUIZ #2
Normalizing Database Designs
8 Oct. 14 – Oct. 18 Normalizing Database Designs
QUIZ #3
9 Oct. 21 – Oct. 25 PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS
10 Oct. 28 – Nov. 1 SECTIONAL EXAM #2 In-class activity: Normalizing Databases
Structured Query Language
11 Nov. 4 – Nov. 8 Structured Query Language
QUIZ #4
Structured Query Language Structured Query Language
12 Nov. 11 – Nov. 15
In class activity: Writing Queries In class activity: Writing Queries
13 Nov. 18 – Nov. 22 PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS
14 Nov. 25 – Nov. 29 SECTIONAL EXAM #3 Course Review
15 Dec. 2 – Dec. 6 FINAL PROJECT
DISCLAIMER: The lecturer and/or the CIS Department reserves the right to adjust this course outline as
deemed necessary.
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